Employers “commit grave sin” if workers transferred or dismissed due to shady business deals: Pope Francis

Near the end of Pope Francis’ Wednesday general audience on March 15, he mentioned that businesses that close down factories and dismiss or transfer employees due to “unclear economic maneuvers or negotiations … commit a very grave sin.”

The pope was referring to the Italian television company, Sky Italia, hoping that “their employment situation may find a rapid solution, respecting the rights of all, especially families.”

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Sky Italia claimed the move was due to rising costs and an outdated digital infrastructure in Rome. Local workers’ unions have criticized the company’s decision that will force 300 workers to transfer from the capital while an estimated 200 employees will be left without a job.

For a transcript of the pope’s Wednesday general audience courtesy of Zenit News Agency (March 15, 2017), click here.